Chapter 36: Practical Lesson

The next day, in the fighting arena.

Mu Jin stood at the edge of the platform, arms crossed, her sharp gaze sweeping across her students. Beside her stood another female teacher, her expression calm and unreadable.

"So, who's going first?" Mu Jin asked.

A tense silence settled over the group.

All eyes instinctively avoided her, shifting instead toward the lone figure standing atop the stage—Chen Junting.

A hint of helplessness flickered in Chen Junting's eyes as he glanced at his classmates. None dared to meet his gaze, as if afraid he would single them out for battle.

It was understandable.

Mu Jin had already spoken to him privately before this lesson began, explaining the purpose of the practical training. Today's session was designed to assess three key aspects: skill execution, reaction speed, and combat experience.

But because his strength far exceeded that of his peers, no student could properly gauge his true capabilities in a normal duel. At the same time, it was inappropriate for a teacher to fight a student.

Thus, Mu Jin had altered the format.

Chen Junting would take the role of the defender, while the rest of the class would take turns challenging him. Multiple battles would allow for a more comprehensive evaluation of his abilities while also forcing his classmates to fight at their best.

Yet, despite this arrangement, no one wanted to step forward.

The memory of Chen Junting's duel against a fifth-year senior was still fresh in their minds. Since even a senior had been decisively defeated…

Going up against him now was akin to asking for a beating.

Seeing the hesitation, Mu Jin's lips curled into a faint smirk.

She swept her gaze across the students before settling on one in particular.

"Wang Dong, you go first."

As the most vocal critic of soul guides, it was only fitting that he be chosen. Of course, Mu Jin assured herself that this wasn't a personal vendetta.

Wang Dong's expression stiffened instantly.

The memory of that overwhelming killing intent resurfaced in his mind.

But he had been named. There was no backing out now.

Gritting his teeth, he stepped onto the fighting stage.

Chen Junting remained expressionless. A flicker of light appeared in his hand as the Seven Killing Sword materialized.

"Relax," he said calmly. "I won't use any soul skills at the start. No need to worry."

"Who said I was worried?!"

Wang Dong straightened immediately, his initial apprehension replaced by burning determination.

He had to reclaim his dignity!

But before he could act—

Whoosh!

The Seven Killing Sword shot toward him with deadly precision.

Wang Dong barely managed to dodge, stumbling backward. There wasn't even time to accuse Chen Junting of being 'unethical'—he had to react.

His martial soul flared as golden light rippled across his wings. He leaped into the air, aiming to escape Chen Junting's attack range.

Yet—

The Seven Killing Sword followed.

It was like a shadow, reading Wang Dong's movements in advance and cutting off his path before he could gain distance.

Mu Jin, observing from the sidelines, recorded a note in Wang Dong's combat analysis:

"At the start of battle, engages in unnecessary chatter and falls into the opponent's attack rhythm."

On the stage, Wang Dong found himself in an increasingly dire situation.

"This won't work!"

Gritting his teeth, he channeled his soul power.

"Hah!"

His first soul ring gleamed as golden light patterns spread across his wings. The Wing Guillotine!

His forewings overlapped, forming a blade that intercepted the Seven Killing Sword. The force of impact propelled him backward, allowing him to disengage—but the sword's overwhelming power shattered the light on his wings.

Yet, rather than despair, Wang Dong laughed.

"Now it's my turn!"

Flapping the radiant wings of the Goddess of Light Butterfly, he surged into the air. His soul power condensed into golden spheres, humming with energy.

"Second Soul Skill—Butterfly God's Light!"

His second soul ring lit up, and golden beams shot forth like a storm, cascading down toward Chen Junting.

Faced with the relentless barrage, Chen Junting remained calm.

A flicker of light—his first soul skill activated.

With effortless precision, the Seven Killing Sword sliced through the incoming energy orbs, deflecting them one after another. Then, he shifted his stance, channeling soul power into his blade.

The Killing Sword Formula.

With a single, controlled motion, he enveloped the remaining golden spheres in his sword energy—then redirected them back at Wang Dong!

"Wha—?!"

Wang Dong's eyes widened in shock. He flapped his wings frantically, slashing at the incoming energy to neutralize the attack.

He barely succeeded.

But his face had paled slightly, his soul power drained. Even his hovering figure wavered in the air.

And then—

Shua—

A streak of sword energy slashed toward him from above!

It was about to land—

"Stop!"

Mu Jin intervened, her figure appearing on stage as she effortlessly dispelled the attack.

At the same time, a faint floral fragrance filled the air. Soft white petals drifted down, merging into Wang Dong's body.

A soothing sensation spread through him, rapidly alleviating his fatigue. Though his soul power remained depleted, his physical exhaustion lessened significantly.

Looking up, Wang Dong saw the pink Nine-Hearted Crabapple Flower in the hands of the female teacher.

His breath hitched.

"Nine-Hearted Crabapple?! Teacher, you're too generous!"

The woman smiled faintly.

Mu Jin chuckled. "That's just how generous she is." She turned to the female teacher and nodded. "Thank you, Ye Ye."

"It's fine. Let the students continue."

Mu Jin refocused on the class. "Wang Dong, step down and reflect on your combat performance."

Her gaze swept over the remaining students before locking onto a particularly thin-looking boy.

His face immediately fell.

"Gao Ming, you're next."

Gao Ming raised his hand hesitantly. "Teacher, I'm an auxiliary soul master. Do I really have to fight Boss Chen?"

Mu Jin raised an eyebrow.

"Is that even a question?"

She flicked her wrist, and several soul guides appeared in midair. She had prepared for this in advance.

"Everyone must be tested. In a real battle, an enemy will target you first because you're an auxiliary-type soul master."

She picked up a soul guide ray gun and tossed it to Gao Ming.

"Unlike six thousand years ago, today's auxiliary soul masters have options. You have soul guides as a means of defense. They may not be allowed in the freshman assessment, but I can still evaluate your combat awareness, reaction speed, and escape skills."

Gao Ming swallowed hard.

He had no choice but to step onto the stage, holding the soul guide gun like it was his last lifeline.

Facing Chen Junting, he whispered, "Boss Chen… please go easy on me."

Chen Junting chuckled.

"Haha, don't worry."

Then, he rushed forward.

A cold gleam flashed in Gao Ming's eyes

—

(End of Chapter)

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